KUALA LUMPUR — The cost of repairing flood-damaged roads across Malaysia due to the Northeast Monsoon has reached RM101.57 million, according to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

The repairs, which include road pavements, bridges, traffic lights, and street lighting, have been estimated at RM45.37 million in Peninsular Malaysia, and RM56.2 million in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.

Additionally, the cost to fix slope collapses in Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perak stands at around RM41 million. Nanta noted that more reports were still coming in and the Public Works Department (JKR) is actively managing the situation through its Disaster Operations Room.

In a move to improve accountability, Nanta proposed introducing a merit system to evaluate contractors and concession companies. He suggested this would ensure better performance and transparency in project management, from planning to maintenance phases. A study is underway to implement this system fairly and effectively.

Nanta emphasized the need for more systematic management of infrastructure projects, including utilizing big data to improve project outcomes and identify potential issues early.